It's anniversary time... can you believe it?! And below is my newest adventure!!!
Love ya! Reba
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dear Friends and Family,
To honor my 1-year anniversary (July 4) as a cancer SURVIVOR, and to celebrate this year’s very special birthday (June 26), I am joining forces with The LOVE HOPE STRENGTH Foundation to help raise global cancer care awareness.
Please visit my page: http://lovehopestrength.org/trekkers/?user=1&trekker=223
*Any gift, small or large, will make a difference. In lieu of birthday presents this year, I would love to receive donations. Thank you!
*By getting “on the list” you might be the one person to save a life!
WHAT IS OUR MISSION?
LHSF is an international, music-centric cancer charity dedicated to saving lives, one concert at a time. The mission is to save lives, right now, with the advances that have already been made in cancer care. We do not fund cancer research; rather we use our funds to:
Build and support cancer centers around the globe.
Build awareness of global cancer needs.
Build internatioanl marrow databases through the "GET ON THE LIST" campaign.
WHY IS THIS OUR MISSION?
As of 2010, cancer is now the world’s #1 killer and will touch each and every one of us in our lifetime. It is a global issue in need of support from a worldwide network. In 2007, LHSF was co-founded by leukemia survivors Mike Peters of the Welsh rock band The Alarm and President of CSI Entertainment James Chippendale who believe that awareness, early detection and proper treatment should not be a luxury and wanted to find a way to ensure that all people have access to the same resources that saved their lives.
WHAT HAVE WE ACCOMPLISHED SO FAR?
Funds from recent events have:
-Purchased the first mammography machine for the country of Nepal.
-Purchased the first brachytherapy (internal radiation) machine for the country of Nepal.
-Funded a mobile cancer unit which will screen and treat 20-000-30,000 patients per year in remote regions of Peru.
-Funded a new wing for a cancer care center in Wales.
-Purchased a transport vehicle for a children’s cancer center in New Jersey.
-Conducted over 200 bone marrow drives at venues such as The Pepsi Center and Red Rocks Amphitheatre, festivals such as Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Mile High Music Fest, Union County Music Fest and Austin City Limits.
-Added over 10,000 people to the national marrow database.
-Located over 80 matches for patients in need of bone marrow transplants.
-Brought supplies to cancer centers in need around the world.
-Hosted the first saliva-based bone marrow registration drive at a concert in UK.
-Funded the making of Everest Rocks, a documentary on cancer survivorship now in it’s 3rd year of airing on Palladia (MTV High Def Channel) and new airings on NBC’s Universal Sports.
-Funded a Public Service Announcement on the need for bone marrow donors with world renowned musicians at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
-Funding the construction of a children’s cancer center in Tanzania.
-Funding the making of a documentary on bone marrow registration.
-Working with the International Coalition of Cancer (UICC) to make saliva based bone marrow registration a global initiative.
Please visit http://lovehopestrength.org/ for more information!
***I would like to dedicate this effort to several people I know personally who are currently fighting the good fight. Stay strong!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Happy Holidays to You and Yours!
Dear Family and Friends,
As you know, this has been a challenging yet rewarding year for me. Much of this year was spent at Scripps Mercy Hospital. The phenomenal doctors, nurses, and staff at Scripps Mercy Hospital and Scripps Cancer Center literally saved my life.
I have decided to give a generous gift to their “Caring for the Future” campaign. Most personally significant to me in this campaign is the plan for the Outpatient Infusion Center at the Cancer Center where I am a patient. My donation is a very small token of my appreciation. The greatest gift I could receive this season is that perhaps you will consider making a donation as well. Any amount, large or small, will make a difference!
As 2011 approaches, please take time to reflect on your many blessings and give thanks. I count each and every one of you as a blessing and I thank you for your love and support. I am healthy and living a wonderfully normal life once again. I am looking forward to a joyous New Year, a year that will include the birth of a Granddaughter! Life is good.
Wishing you all the very merriest of holidays!
With much love, Reba
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No other part of our nonprofit hospital speaks to the mission of Scripps Mercy more than our emergency room and trauma department. They are the gateway to our hospital, open to all who turn to Scripps Mercy for care.
We are the longest-established hospital in the region, caring for people who live and work in central and southern San Diego County. From downtown and Point Loma to Chula Vista and the Mexican border, our service area includes nearly 1 million people.
At our San Diego campus, we operate one of the busiest emergency departments in the region, with more than 51,000 emergency room visits annually. Our Level 1 trauma center treats 2,500 patients each year – the most in San Diego County.
Although our programs and specialties have grown throughout the decades, the communities we serve have grown even faster. Scripps Mercy is at a critical point and must expand with extensive renovations in these vital service areas to continue to meet the needs of our patients:
Emergency Department and Trauma Center: Our facility will nearly double, from a 27-bed emergency department, which includes two trauma bays, to 43 beds with three trauma bays.
Intensive Care Unit: Our three intensive care units will expand and modernize, and additional ICU space will be added.
Operating Rooms: Two operating rooms will become robotic surgical suites equipped with the most advanced technology.
Scripps Cancer Center at Scripps Mercy Hospital: Our services will grow to include an outpatient infusion center and women’s breast care center.
Mercy Hospital Foundation has launched Caring for the Future: The Campaign for Scripps Mercy Hospital to support the hospital’s historic modernization and expansion project. To date, more than half of our $50 million goal has been raised. Phase I of the campaign has been funded and construction has begun on the new Conrad Prebys Emergency and Trauma Center. We are well on our way to funding Phase II and, with your help; we will continue a legacy of quality care that will benefit our community for many years to come.
Online at: https://secure.entango.com/donate/nbkQaFEUKks
*click on “other”: and fill in, Outpatient Cancer Infusion Center, Scripps Mercy Hospital
By Phone: 800-326-3776, M-F, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
*Indicate you would like your donation to go to the Outpatient Cancer Infusion Center, Scripps Mercy Hospital
By Mail: Send check, payable to Scripps Health Foundation, to:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caring for the Future: The Campaign for Scripps Mercy Hospital
Phase I
Conrad Prebys Emergency and Trauma Center $25 million goal FUNDED
Phase II
Outpatient Cancer Infusion Center, Women’s Breast Care Center, Robotic Surgical Suites $15 million goal
$6 million raised to date
Phase III
Intensive Care Unit Expansion & Renovations $10 million goal To begin in 2011
As you know, this has been a challenging yet rewarding year for me. Much of this year was spent at Scripps Mercy Hospital. The phenomenal doctors, nurses, and staff at Scripps Mercy Hospital and Scripps Cancer Center literally saved my life.
I have decided to give a generous gift to their “Caring for the Future” campaign. Most personally significant to me in this campaign is the plan for the Outpatient Infusion Center at the Cancer Center where I am a patient. My donation is a very small token of my appreciation. The greatest gift I could receive this season is that perhaps you will consider making a donation as well. Any amount, large or small, will make a difference!
As 2011 approaches, please take time to reflect on your many blessings and give thanks. I count each and every one of you as a blessing and I thank you for your love and support. I am healthy and living a wonderfully normal life once again. I am looking forward to a joyous New Year, a year that will include the birth of a Granddaughter! Life is good.
Wishing you all the very merriest of holidays!
With much love, Reba
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conrad Prebys Emergency and Trauma Center.
Caring for the Future
The Campaign for Scripps Mercy Hospital
No other part of our nonprofit hospital speaks to the mission of Scripps Mercy more than our emergency room and trauma department. They are the gateway to our hospital, open to all who turn to Scripps Mercy for care.
We are the longest-established hospital in the region, caring for people who live and work in central and southern San Diego County. From downtown and Point Loma to Chula Vista and the Mexican border, our service area includes nearly 1 million people.
At our San Diego campus, we operate one of the busiest emergency departments in the region, with more than 51,000 emergency room visits annually. Our Level 1 trauma center treats 2,500 patients each year – the most in San Diego County.
Although our programs and specialties have grown throughout the decades, the communities we serve have grown even faster. Scripps Mercy is at a critical point and must expand with extensive renovations in these vital service areas to continue to meet the needs of our patients:
Emergency Department and Trauma Center: Our facility will nearly double, from a 27-bed emergency department, which includes two trauma bays, to 43 beds with three trauma bays.
Intensive Care Unit: Our three intensive care units will expand and modernize, and additional ICU space will be added.
Operating Rooms: Two operating rooms will become robotic surgical suites equipped with the most advanced technology.
Scripps Cancer Center at Scripps Mercy Hospital: Our services will grow to include an outpatient infusion center and women’s breast care center.
Mercy Hospital Foundation has launched Caring for the Future: The Campaign for Scripps Mercy Hospital to support the hospital’s historic modernization and expansion project. To date, more than half of our $50 million goal has been raised. Phase I of the campaign has been funded and construction has begun on the new Conrad Prebys Emergency and Trauma Center. We are well on our way to funding Phase II and, with your help; we will continue a legacy of quality care that will benefit our community for many years to come.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Donate Now!
Donate Now!
Online at: https://secure.entango.com/donate/nbkQaFEUKks
*click on “other”: and fill in, Outpatient Cancer Infusion Center, Scripps Mercy Hospital
By Phone: 800-326-3776, M-F, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
*Indicate you would like your donation to go to the Outpatient Cancer Infusion Center, Scripps Mercy Hospital
By Mail: Send check, payable to Scripps Health Foundation, to:
Scripps Health Foundation
PO Box 2669
La Jolla, CA 92038
*Indicate you would like your donation to go to the Outpatient Cancer Infusion Center, Scripps Mercy Hospital. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caring for the Future: The Campaign for Scripps Mercy Hospital
Phase I
Conrad Prebys Emergency and Trauma Center $25 million goal FUNDED
Phase II
Outpatient Cancer Infusion Center, Women’s Breast Care Center, Robotic Surgical Suites $15 million goal
$6 million raised to date
Phase III
Intensive Care Unit Expansion & Renovations $10 million goal To begin in 2011
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Checking in!
It's November! Not that you'd know it on a day like today... it's currently 97 degrees in San Diego! Yikes!!!
Tomorrow will be the end of my 5th week back at work fulltime. It has gone SO quickly. I feel so normal again... when I think about all I went through it seems like a dream now. I'm amazed everyday with my outcome and I am ever so grateful.
What prompted me to blog today is the billboards, radio ads and website reference to my amazing oncologist, Dr. Marin Xavier, and another miracle patient, Diana Sanchez. Perhaps you've heard the radio spots or have seen the billboards with Diana and her two young sons on it?! You can also visit www.scripps.org/diana and read her story and watch a video with Dr. Xavier in it. Where she is being filmed is in the actual hallway of the floor at Mercy where I spent so many days and nights this Spring and Summer. While Diana and I are living miracles, Dr. Xavier and many other fine doctors and nurses are truly miracle workers.
Life is so incredibly precious and my life is amazing! I have great friends, a wonderful job, loving family, including my beloved daughter, son-in-law, grandson and a new granddaughter coming in the New Year!!! I am truly blesssed.
A big shout out to my dear friend, Nancy, this week. She had surgery and the outcome was the best case scenario. Another miracle!!! So grateful for her good news :)
Happy Fall everyone! I hope your Halloween was lot's of fun and that you all enjoy the rest of the upcoming holidays as well! I'll be thinking of you and wishing you well.
Much love, Reba
Oh! I almost forgot to tell you! I have the cutest short hair :) So cute in fact that I'm thinking of keeping it short. I get compliments all the time and it's SOOOOO easy to take care of! I will try to get a picture posted sometime soon.
Tomorrow will be the end of my 5th week back at work fulltime. It has gone SO quickly. I feel so normal again... when I think about all I went through it seems like a dream now. I'm amazed everyday with my outcome and I am ever so grateful.
What prompted me to blog today is the billboards, radio ads and website reference to my amazing oncologist, Dr. Marin Xavier, and another miracle patient, Diana Sanchez. Perhaps you've heard the radio spots or have seen the billboards with Diana and her two young sons on it?! You can also visit www.scripps.org/diana and read her story and watch a video with Dr. Xavier in it. Where she is being filmed is in the actual hallway of the floor at Mercy where I spent so many days and nights this Spring and Summer. While Diana and I are living miracles, Dr. Xavier and many other fine doctors and nurses are truly miracle workers.
Life is so incredibly precious and my life is amazing! I have great friends, a wonderful job, loving family, including my beloved daughter, son-in-law, grandson and a new granddaughter coming in the New Year!!! I am truly blesssed.
A big shout out to my dear friend, Nancy, this week. She had surgery and the outcome was the best case scenario. Another miracle!!! So grateful for her good news :)
Happy Fall everyone! I hope your Halloween was lot's of fun and that you all enjoy the rest of the upcoming holidays as well! I'll be thinking of you and wishing you well.
Much love, Reba
Oh! I almost forgot to tell you! I have the cutest short hair :) So cute in fact that I'm thinking of keeping it short. I get compliments all the time and it's SOOOOO easy to take care of! I will try to get a picture posted sometime soon.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
I'm doing cartwheels!
Sooooooooo happy! The fabulous Dr. Xavier called today to inform me 1. the MRI of my lower spine was normal. 2. The colonoscopy polyp was benign. 3. My PET scan was clean, clean, CLEAN! Woo hoo! I'm cancer-free and fit as a fiddle :) So blessed and amazed at my good news. While I can totally believe it, it's a little hard to believe! Jay just bought me dinner to celebrate and I even had a yummy glass of red wine.
LIFE IS GOOD.
I'm back at work full-time and am loving it! Life feels so normal again and it's a beautiful thing. I'm a happy camper. :)
So now what?! I plan on being the best me I can be. I want to get in shape, eat right and respect my amazing, strong body. I want to find ways to give back. I want to explore, expand and discover. But most of all, I want to make sure each and every one of you knows how much I love you and how much I thank you for all your love and support! You all made this miracle possible by lifting me up, making me laugh and keeping me positive. I could not have done this without you.
Many people have asked what the biggest thing I've learned from this experience is. Well, there's a few. First, listen to your body and respect it's messages. But, on the other hand, don't obsess... find the balance. This is true for life in general. It's all about respect and balance. Don't sweat the small stuff! Find the beauty in every day and in all people. Don't be critical, of yourself or others... you never know what someone might have going on in their life. LOVE!!! with all your heart. SMILE!!! the world will smile with you. GIVE!!! what you can... whether it be a hug, a hand, or a prayer. No gesture is ever too big or too small. One of my favorite quotes is, "One person can make a difference. And everyone should try." - John F. Kennedy. If you are stuck, get unstuck. Whether you believe you can or you can not, you are right. Speak up for yourself. Be kind. Play. Be silly. Laugh. Do yoga. Meditate. Read. Dance. Move. Shake things up!
***Find what makes YOU happy!!!***
The future's so bright. I am overjoyed at the prospect of getting to be of part of my beloved Tate Thomas' world as he grows into a young man and to watching Travis and Brenna welcome their new little girl into this world in January. I can't wait to spoil my Granddaughter ;)
I feel like I've been through one crazy storm and was spit out the other end, miracously, in one piece. Wow. I probably won't be doing much blogging from here on out, but please feel free to catch up with me on Facebook or email me if you want to check in :) I'd love to hear from you! Heck, I'd love to visit with all of you too!!! Just give me a call or email and we'll make some plans. I've got a whole lot of livin' to do!
With much love and gratitude,
Reba xoxo
*Leave a comment below if you need my personal email address and/or phone number :)
LIFE IS GOOD.
I'm back at work full-time and am loving it! Life feels so normal again and it's a beautiful thing. I'm a happy camper. :)
So now what?! I plan on being the best me I can be. I want to get in shape, eat right and respect my amazing, strong body. I want to find ways to give back. I want to explore, expand and discover. But most of all, I want to make sure each and every one of you knows how much I love you and how much I thank you for all your love and support! You all made this miracle possible by lifting me up, making me laugh and keeping me positive. I could not have done this without you.
Many people have asked what the biggest thing I've learned from this experience is. Well, there's a few. First, listen to your body and respect it's messages. But, on the other hand, don't obsess... find the balance. This is true for life in general. It's all about respect and balance. Don't sweat the small stuff! Find the beauty in every day and in all people. Don't be critical, of yourself or others... you never know what someone might have going on in their life. LOVE!!! with all your heart. SMILE!!! the world will smile with you. GIVE!!! what you can... whether it be a hug, a hand, or a prayer. No gesture is ever too big or too small. One of my favorite quotes is, "One person can make a difference. And everyone should try." - John F. Kennedy. If you are stuck, get unstuck. Whether you believe you can or you can not, you are right. Speak up for yourself. Be kind. Play. Be silly. Laugh. Do yoga. Meditate. Read. Dance. Move. Shake things up!
***Find what makes YOU happy!!!***
The future's so bright. I am overjoyed at the prospect of getting to be of part of my beloved Tate Thomas' world as he grows into a young man and to watching Travis and Brenna welcome their new little girl into this world in January. I can't wait to spoil my Granddaughter ;)
I feel like I've been through one crazy storm and was spit out the other end, miracously, in one piece. Wow. I probably won't be doing much blogging from here on out, but please feel free to catch up with me on Facebook or email me if you want to check in :) I'd love to hear from you! Heck, I'd love to visit with all of you too!!! Just give me a call or email and we'll make some plans. I've got a whole lot of livin' to do!
With much love and gratitude,
Reba xoxo
*Leave a comment below if you need my personal email address and/or phone number :)
Friday, September 24, 2010
Wow... has it really been 3 weeks?!
So much for my blogging weekly! Oops! 3 weeks has literally flown by.
I'm back at work part time until October 1 when it will be full days/full time once again. It feels great to be back in the real world! After spending so many months in a bubble the real world is simply amazing. So full of life, living and love. I feel more and more like myself everyday... but an even better me. I've definitely come through this a changed person. Changed for the better :)
Health update... hmmm, let's see... I had a mammogram 2 weeks ago. There was a small scare but it all turned out a-ok. Monday I will be having an MRI on my low back due to regular back aches and I will also have my first post-treatment PT scan. I believe the backaches are simply because my abdominal muscles are weak still but Dr. X wants to make sure. The PT scan is the big test and when it comes back clean I will be doing cartwheels in celebration!!! Thursday I will have a colonoscopy, NOT FUN but a necessary cancer screening. Dr. X assured me there would be plenty of screenings in my future and she wasn't joking! I saw my surgeon this week and things are good in that department. She told me I can start exercising and building my core strength as long as it doesn't hurt. That was good news :)
I feel amazing! Sometimes this whole thing seems surreal... I know I went through a lot but I'm feeling so good and so normal it's hard to believe sometimes. It truly is amazing what our bodies are capable of enduring and it's amazing that we can heal so well. I'm truly blessed.
HAIR! I have hair!!! The last week or so it's really taken off... I sort of feel like a Chia Pet! I can't really tell what color or texture it's going to be just yet. It is really dark though... stay tuned!
Well, it's Friday and I hope you all had a really nice week. Enjoy your weekend!!!
Much love, Reba
I'm back at work part time until October 1 when it will be full days/full time once again. It feels great to be back in the real world! After spending so many months in a bubble the real world is simply amazing. So full of life, living and love. I feel more and more like myself everyday... but an even better me. I've definitely come through this a changed person. Changed for the better :)
Health update... hmmm, let's see... I had a mammogram 2 weeks ago. There was a small scare but it all turned out a-ok. Monday I will be having an MRI on my low back due to regular back aches and I will also have my first post-treatment PT scan. I believe the backaches are simply because my abdominal muscles are weak still but Dr. X wants to make sure. The PT scan is the big test and when it comes back clean I will be doing cartwheels in celebration!!! Thursday I will have a colonoscopy, NOT FUN but a necessary cancer screening. Dr. X assured me there would be plenty of screenings in my future and she wasn't joking! I saw my surgeon this week and things are good in that department. She told me I can start exercising and building my core strength as long as it doesn't hurt. That was good news :)
I feel amazing! Sometimes this whole thing seems surreal... I know I went through a lot but I'm feeling so good and so normal it's hard to believe sometimes. It truly is amazing what our bodies are capable of enduring and it's amazing that we can heal so well. I'm truly blessed.
HAIR! I have hair!!! The last week or so it's really taken off... I sort of feel like a Chia Pet! I can't really tell what color or texture it's going to be just yet. It is really dark though... stay tuned!
Well, it's Friday and I hope you all had a really nice week. Enjoy your weekend!!!
Much love, Reba
Friday, September 3, 2010
It's been a GREAT week!
Hi Folks!
Do you like the new picture?! It's me and Jennie before the Melissa Etheridge concert this past Wednesday. My hair is still sparse but it's really coming in! I've decided it's time to bare it all and not worry too much about head wraps, caps or my wig. The exception being when I'm going to be outdoors for any length of time because of course I still need to think about sunburn ;)
So Melissa Etheridge... Jennie won tickets and graciously invited me. It was at Morongo Casino near Palm Springs. The venue was very small so there wasn't a bad seat in the place. We were at the back of the room dancing and singing, having a ball basically. Melissa starts singing her survivor song, "I Run for Life"... no, I didn't cry... I suddenly became very brave and grabbed Jennie's hand and marched us right up the center isle to the front of the stage! We were about 4 people back when a girl in front of me looks back and says you should be closer! She squeezes us up in front of her so now there's only 1 person between me and Melissa's mic stand! I was literally just a few feet from her. SO exciting and so fun. Melissa did make eye contact once and winked at me. Good times!!!
Last Sunday I was at the the La Jolla farmer's market with my wonderful friend, Jiea, and two different vendors identified themselves as survivors. One four years and one, are you ready for this?, 28 years!!! She said her chemo was before infusion so she had regular shot injections over the course of 3 years... whoa! She was awesome and actually embraced me... so sweet.
I'm getting stronger everyday, emotionally and physically :) I'm excited about returning to work on the 15th! Life is feeling more normal every day and for this I am very thankful. I have some cancer screenings coming up... colonoscopy, mammogram, MRI and at the end of September my first post-chemo PT scan (that's the biggee). I've been busy scheduling all of this around my September work schedule.
Well my dear friends, that's about it for now. I will catch up with you all again soon! Happy Labor Day weekend, be safe but have loads of fun. Much love, Reba
Do you like the new picture?! It's me and Jennie before the Melissa Etheridge concert this past Wednesday. My hair is still sparse but it's really coming in! I've decided it's time to bare it all and not worry too much about head wraps, caps or my wig. The exception being when I'm going to be outdoors for any length of time because of course I still need to think about sunburn ;)
So Melissa Etheridge... Jennie won tickets and graciously invited me. It was at Morongo Casino near Palm Springs. The venue was very small so there wasn't a bad seat in the place. We were at the back of the room dancing and singing, having a ball basically. Melissa starts singing her survivor song, "I Run for Life"... no, I didn't cry... I suddenly became very brave and grabbed Jennie's hand and marched us right up the center isle to the front of the stage! We were about 4 people back when a girl in front of me looks back and says you should be closer! She squeezes us up in front of her so now there's only 1 person between me and Melissa's mic stand! I was literally just a few feet from her. SO exciting and so fun. Melissa did make eye contact once and winked at me. Good times!!!
Last Sunday I was at the the La Jolla farmer's market with my wonderful friend, Jiea, and two different vendors identified themselves as survivors. One four years and one, are you ready for this?, 28 years!!! She said her chemo was before infusion so she had regular shot injections over the course of 3 years... whoa! She was awesome and actually embraced me... so sweet.
I'm getting stronger everyday, emotionally and physically :) I'm excited about returning to work on the 15th! Life is feeling more normal every day and for this I am very thankful. I have some cancer screenings coming up... colonoscopy, mammogram, MRI and at the end of September my first post-chemo PT scan (that's the biggee). I've been busy scheduling all of this around my September work schedule.
Well my dear friends, that's about it for now. I will catch up with you all again soon! Happy Labor Day weekend, be safe but have loads of fun. Much love, Reba
Monday, August 23, 2010
No news is GOOD news.
Hello All!
I was visiting work the other day and ran into a couple of people that commented on how infrequently I blog these days... my response was "no news is good news!". I've been feeling great and just using my days to catch up on things, visit people and work on getting my strength back. I haven't actually gone back to yoga since that so-called gentle class kicked my booty but I am planning on attending a yoga class for cancer survivors this Wednesday. Stay tuned for the results on this second attempt. Ha ha ha!
My official return-to-work date has been set :) I will be going back 9-15-10 and working part-time until October 1st when I will resume full-time. I am actually very excited about going back. It will be nice to have structure and a purpose again. Returning to work will normalize my life real quick ;)
No health updates really... I have a regular check up with my oncologist this Friday. My next scan will probably be around the 3rd week of September. It will be a PT scan and when I clear that I will be really confident and my being "cured". Keep your fingers crossed for me!
The big news this week is HAIR! I have a nice growth of fuzz at this time and I have a feeling within the next 4 - 8 weeks I will have what should pass as normal hair! As long as no scalp is showing, even if it looks like a super short man's cut, I will be thrilled to no longer have to wear head covers. I rarely wear my wig (too itchy and binding) but I do wear caps or bandanas. Speaking of which, do any of you know anyone who has actually used Ovation Cell Therapy for hair growth? I'm wondering if it might work to speed things up for me. I'm going to ask my doctor Friday also.
Ok, I'm off to eat a really yummy lunch. Brenna's mother-in-law, Linda, made me stuffed peppers! I've never had one so I'm pretty excited :)
I hope this note finds you all HaPpY! Have a great week everyone!
xo Reba
I was visiting work the other day and ran into a couple of people that commented on how infrequently I blog these days... my response was "no news is good news!". I've been feeling great and just using my days to catch up on things, visit people and work on getting my strength back. I haven't actually gone back to yoga since that so-called gentle class kicked my booty but I am planning on attending a yoga class for cancer survivors this Wednesday. Stay tuned for the results on this second attempt. Ha ha ha!
My official return-to-work date has been set :) I will be going back 9-15-10 and working part-time until October 1st when I will resume full-time. I am actually very excited about going back. It will be nice to have structure and a purpose again. Returning to work will normalize my life real quick ;)
No health updates really... I have a regular check up with my oncologist this Friday. My next scan will probably be around the 3rd week of September. It will be a PT scan and when I clear that I will be really confident and my being "cured". Keep your fingers crossed for me!
The big news this week is HAIR! I have a nice growth of fuzz at this time and I have a feeling within the next 4 - 8 weeks I will have what should pass as normal hair! As long as no scalp is showing, even if it looks like a super short man's cut, I will be thrilled to no longer have to wear head covers. I rarely wear my wig (too itchy and binding) but I do wear caps or bandanas. Speaking of which, do any of you know anyone who has actually used Ovation Cell Therapy for hair growth? I'm wondering if it might work to speed things up for me. I'm going to ask my doctor Friday also.
Ok, I'm off to eat a really yummy lunch. Brenna's mother-in-law, Linda, made me stuffed peppers! I've never had one so I'm pretty excited :)
I hope this note finds you all HaPpY! Have a great week everyone!
xo Reba
Friday, August 13, 2010
Small speed bump
I came down with a slight head cold which I was managing nicely. Then the night before last I was up all night vominting like mad :( I called Dr. Xavier just to run it by her and she had me go to the hospital (out-patient infusions) for some fluids. They ran a bunch of labs and everything was okay. Must have been something I ate? So with fluids and lots of sleep I am feeling much better.
My sister, Katie, was here from Oregon for 6 days. We had a lot of fun. I probably wore myself out just a smidge but it was well worth it. Love you Katie and I miss you like mad.
Happy birthday to my big brother James today! I love you!!!
Reba
My sister, Katie, was here from Oregon for 6 days. We had a lot of fun. I probably wore myself out just a smidge but it was well worth it. Love you Katie and I miss you like mad.
Happy birthday to my big brother James today! I love you!!!
Reba
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
It's a GIRL!
BIG shoutout to Brenna and Travis, they are having a GIRL! Late Jan/early Feb 2011 I'll be a grandmother to a sweet little baby girl, Grace Margret. I am overcome with JOY and LOVE.
Reba
Reba
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Dickens
To quote Dickens, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." Oh how this applies to my life over the last 5 months! Of course it's obvious why this has been the worst of times but there have been some actual best of times too :) My favortie being the fact that I'm still alive. My second favorite, being able to eat anything I want and I'm still thin! That was a concept that resided only in my wildest dreams before. Also, who doesn't want an extended amount of time off work? Not to mention my low-maintenance hair... saving so much time and $ with a bald head!
I was just talking to a good friend and I said one of the greatest gifts I received from this experience is the realization of just how blessed I am. I see the world through new eyes. I never realized how loved I am. My friends are simply amazing. I love my family with all my heart. I have a good life!
Speaking of eating alot, I have gained 13 pounds. To put things in perspective, most of my adult life I have weighed in the low 140's, occasionally tipping the scales in the upper 140's. Last summer I mysteriously dropped about 10 pounds and was happily residing around 135 pounds. Over the course of chemo I hit a low of 113. So with my 13 pound gain I'm now at 126. I like this weight and have been told it looks good on me. I can't imagine being 20 pounds heavier now. So I guess the feeding frenzy is going to have to be reined in a bit!
In attempting to maintain my weight I decided now would be a good time to start getting more physical activity. I went to "gentle" yoga last week. I had to modify alot of things due to my lack of abdominal strength and laying on my tummy was out of the question but I completed the class. My poor legs were shaking most of the time and I am not "bendy" at all. The woman next to me probably had 20 years on me and she was able to put her head between her knees! After class I commended her and she explained she's been a dancer all her life. She was impressive and very sweet. I was a little shocked at my limitations and the fact that "gentle" yoga didn't feel gentle to me (I was sore for 3 days!), but I guess it's to be expected after what my body has been through. Gotta start somewhere, right?!
My sister-n-law, Katie, shared a funny story with me the other day, it's still making me chuckle! She was on the computer and my niece, Natalie, asks who's Facebook Katie is looking at. Katie says Auntie Becky's (mine). Natalie looks at the page again and then back at Katie and remarks, "That's not Auntie Becky, that person is too skinny!".
Speaking of Katie, she is coming to visit! She arrives tomorrow night. She really wanted to come while I was sick to help me out but I asked her to wait until treatments were complete and I felt good so we could have some fun together. I love Katie so much and think of her as my sister, not just an in-law. I'm really looking forward to the next week.
I hope this day finds you all happy and healthy, with smiles on your faces and gratitude in your hearts.
Much love, Reba
I was just talking to a good friend and I said one of the greatest gifts I received from this experience is the realization of just how blessed I am. I see the world through new eyes. I never realized how loved I am. My friends are simply amazing. I love my family with all my heart. I have a good life!
Speaking of eating alot, I have gained 13 pounds. To put things in perspective, most of my adult life I have weighed in the low 140's, occasionally tipping the scales in the upper 140's. Last summer I mysteriously dropped about 10 pounds and was happily residing around 135 pounds. Over the course of chemo I hit a low of 113. So with my 13 pound gain I'm now at 126. I like this weight and have been told it looks good on me. I can't imagine being 20 pounds heavier now. So I guess the feeding frenzy is going to have to be reined in a bit!
In attempting to maintain my weight I decided now would be a good time to start getting more physical activity. I went to "gentle" yoga last week. I had to modify alot of things due to my lack of abdominal strength and laying on my tummy was out of the question but I completed the class. My poor legs were shaking most of the time and I am not "bendy" at all. The woman next to me probably had 20 years on me and she was able to put her head between her knees! After class I commended her and she explained she's been a dancer all her life. She was impressive and very sweet. I was a little shocked at my limitations and the fact that "gentle" yoga didn't feel gentle to me (I was sore for 3 days!), but I guess it's to be expected after what my body has been through. Gotta start somewhere, right?!
My sister-n-law, Katie, shared a funny story with me the other day, it's still making me chuckle! She was on the computer and my niece, Natalie, asks who's Facebook Katie is looking at. Katie says Auntie Becky's (mine). Natalie looks at the page again and then back at Katie and remarks, "That's not Auntie Becky, that person is too skinny!".
Speaking of Katie, she is coming to visit! She arrives tomorrow night. She really wanted to come while I was sick to help me out but I asked her to wait until treatments were complete and I felt good so we could have some fun together. I love Katie so much and think of her as my sister, not just an in-law. I'm really looking forward to the next week.
I hope this day finds you all happy and healthy, with smiles on your faces and gratitude in your hearts.
Much love, Reba
Monday, July 26, 2010
Happy Anniversary to me!
Today is the 5-month anniversary from my first surgery, 2/24/10... wow. So much has transpired in 5 months... ups, downs, more ups, more downs ;) But happily a cancer-free body today!
I met with my primary care doctor today. It felt good to be back in familiar territory. We went over natural supplementation to help keep me cancer free. He explained we all have cancer cells in our bodies, it's just a matter of the the soil being right for them to take hold. I guess you just never know.
I'm feeling stronger every day. I am trying to focus on eating right, sleeping well, and getting some physical activity in on a regular basis, all so I can build up my endurance and strength again. My doctor and his staff all remarked on how great I look and told me I have a nice bald head ;) They said they admired my determination and positive attitude through all of this. I said I merely did what I had to do.
Considering what I've experienced these last 5 months, I feel GREAT! So happy to be at this point in the process.
Love to you all and as always, many many thanks! *MUAH* Reba
I met with my primary care doctor today. It felt good to be back in familiar territory. We went over natural supplementation to help keep me cancer free. He explained we all have cancer cells in our bodies, it's just a matter of the the soil being right for them to take hold. I guess you just never know.
I'm feeling stronger every day. I am trying to focus on eating right, sleeping well, and getting some physical activity in on a regular basis, all so I can build up my endurance and strength again. My doctor and his staff all remarked on how great I look and told me I have a nice bald head ;) They said they admired my determination and positive attitude through all of this. I said I merely did what I had to do.
Considering what I've experienced these last 5 months, I feel GREAT! So happy to be at this point in the process.
Love to you all and as always, many many thanks! *MUAH* Reba
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
CLEAN!!!
Friday's CT scan was CLEAN! Woo hoo!!! In 6 weeks I'll have a PT scan for additional follow up. Keep the good vibrations coming, they're working :)
Lot's of love, Reba
Lot's of love, Reba
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Good thoughts, vibrations and prayers please!
I am having a post chemo CT scan tomorrow... I'm feeling a little nervous but I'm very confident that it will be clean :) I know I have all of you pulling for me so I'll go into the test feeling very loved and supported! Thank you!!!
I went for my radiation consult yesterday and I will not be having the therapy at this point in the game. It's complicated, but long story short, the risks may very well outweigh the benefits so we are opting not to do it.
Happy to say I'm feeling more like myself each and every day. It's so darn challenging when I feel so bad post chemo to remember that it does indeed pass... it's simply amazing what the human body is capable of! Make sure you take good care of yours cause it's pretty darn awesome.
Busy weekend coming up in my neighborhood, happy PRIDE San Diego!
Lots of love, Reba
I went for my radiation consult yesterday and I will not be having the therapy at this point in the game. It's complicated, but long story short, the risks may very well outweigh the benefits so we are opting not to do it.
Happy to say I'm feeling more like myself each and every day. It's so darn challenging when I feel so bad post chemo to remember that it does indeed pass... it's simply amazing what the human body is capable of! Make sure you take good care of yours cause it's pretty darn awesome.
Busy weekend coming up in my neighborhood, happy PRIDE San Diego!
Lots of love, Reba
Monday, July 12, 2010
WAY overdue!
Hello All!
I'd like to start by apologizing for being tardy in blogging. I've had a couple of you ask what's up?! Well, my energy level this time is taking longer than I'd like to bounce back. I didn't really want to blog today either but I knew it was time and I figured it might perk me up a little :)
Last week was challenging but I'm happy to report I only threw up once (there is always a bright side). Oh, and I fell down once too ;) 3 am and I tripped myself, did a face plant into the coffee table and had a nice little black and blue cheek for several days. This past Saturday I experienced HELL Day. It's how I refer to the day in this recovery process that I hit rock bottom, face first. Friday was a treacherous night of insomnia. When I did fall asleep early Saturday morning, it was a fitful sleep filled with nightmares. Needless to say, Saturday was a horrible day of exhaustion, brain fog and literally feeling like I had been hit by a truck. I begged the powers that be to PLEASE let this be the worst of of it. Someone listened because when I woke up Sunday I definitely knew I'd turn the corner. My goodness, the difference a day can make! While I'm not exactly doing cartwheels just yet, and today I woke up with some laryngitis, I finally feel like I'm heading in the right direction. Now if my energy would just return... patience, right?
I visited with Dr. Xavier this morning. Even though my chemo is over there will now be lots of misc. things to do. The first is my consultation with the Radiology Oncologist, Dr. Mansey, this Weds. regarding a possible Brachytherapy. It is merely a consultation, suggested by the Tumor Board when they reviewed my file. I honestly do not know much about it but will have more to report after Weds. appointment.
Other things on the horizon are CT/Body scans, genetic testing, various cancer screenings, monitoring my anemia, reconnecting with my primary care physician and who knows what else at this point! While I've reached a major milestone, my journey is far from over.
I'm looking forward to seeing my primary as he and I have always worked on a natural supplementation plan for optimizing health. I'm looking forward to seeing what I can incorporate now to help boost my system naturally post chemo/cancer. I'm also very interested in a natural way to help with the menopause symptoms I'm dealing with [HOT FLASHES]. Why not HRT (hormone replacement therapy) you ask? Well HRT has shown to increase one's odds of developing breast cancer and that's the last thing I want at this point!
I decided the other night that now that there are no more chemo treatments on the horizon I want to blog with more regularity. My goal is to write something each week, either Monday or Tuesday, depending on doc appts, etc. Sound good?!
I'm kind of feeling a little disappointed today. I guess somehow with this being my last chemo, I slipped on my really powerful rose-colored glasses and thought this one would somehow be really simple and I'd bounce right back and get on with things! Reality is, it kicked my butt good, I'm really tired, I realize there is still much work to do and although my life will pick up again and resume some degree of normalcy, life as I knew it will never be quite the same. This makes me tear up and makes my heart hurt just a little but I'm a survivor and I'm determined to make my life the best if can possibly be. Yeah, it will be different...never again will I live with the blissful naivety of not knowing a grave illness and all it's ill effects from the inside out.
On a positive note, never again will I see only flaws in the mirror. I will be much less critical of my world in general. I hopefully will never complain about "having to work out" being thankful to simply be "able to work out". Going to work will be a privilege! I will laugh harder, love deeper, expand my viewpoints, open my mind, help when I can... I will smile, sit quietly and just be. I will feel the sun, breath in the air, admire the colors in my world with a renewed sense of appreciation. Life is really good my friends, don't ever forget that!
I've been to the edge. It wasn't pretty. I'm healing. It will take time. I'm alive. So much life ahead of me. The possibilities are limitless... now that's exciting!
Love, Reba
I'd like to start by apologizing for being tardy in blogging. I've had a couple of you ask what's up?! Well, my energy level this time is taking longer than I'd like to bounce back. I didn't really want to blog today either but I knew it was time and I figured it might perk me up a little :)
Last week was challenging but I'm happy to report I only threw up once (there is always a bright side). Oh, and I fell down once too ;) 3 am and I tripped myself, did a face plant into the coffee table and had a nice little black and blue cheek for several days. This past Saturday I experienced HELL Day. It's how I refer to the day in this recovery process that I hit rock bottom, face first. Friday was a treacherous night of insomnia. When I did fall asleep early Saturday morning, it was a fitful sleep filled with nightmares. Needless to say, Saturday was a horrible day of exhaustion, brain fog and literally feeling like I had been hit by a truck. I begged the powers that be to PLEASE let this be the worst of of it. Someone listened because when I woke up Sunday I definitely knew I'd turn the corner. My goodness, the difference a day can make! While I'm not exactly doing cartwheels just yet, and today I woke up with some laryngitis, I finally feel like I'm heading in the right direction. Now if my energy would just return... patience, right?
I visited with Dr. Xavier this morning. Even though my chemo is over there will now be lots of misc. things to do. The first is my consultation with the Radiology Oncologist, Dr. Mansey, this Weds. regarding a possible Brachytherapy. It is merely a consultation, suggested by the Tumor Board when they reviewed my file. I honestly do not know much about it but will have more to report after Weds. appointment.
Other things on the horizon are CT/Body scans, genetic testing, various cancer screenings, monitoring my anemia, reconnecting with my primary care physician and who knows what else at this point! While I've reached a major milestone, my journey is far from over.
I'm looking forward to seeing my primary as he and I have always worked on a natural supplementation plan for optimizing health. I'm looking forward to seeing what I can incorporate now to help boost my system naturally post chemo/cancer. I'm also very interested in a natural way to help with the menopause symptoms I'm dealing with [HOT FLASHES]. Why not HRT (hormone replacement therapy) you ask? Well HRT has shown to increase one's odds of developing breast cancer and that's the last thing I want at this point!
I decided the other night that now that there are no more chemo treatments on the horizon I want to blog with more regularity. My goal is to write something each week, either Monday or Tuesday, depending on doc appts, etc. Sound good?!
I'm kind of feeling a little disappointed today. I guess somehow with this being my last chemo, I slipped on my really powerful rose-colored glasses and thought this one would somehow be really simple and I'd bounce right back and get on with things! Reality is, it kicked my butt good, I'm really tired, I realize there is still much work to do and although my life will pick up again and resume some degree of normalcy, life as I knew it will never be quite the same. This makes me tear up and makes my heart hurt just a little but I'm a survivor and I'm determined to make my life the best if can possibly be. Yeah, it will be different...never again will I live with the blissful naivety of not knowing a grave illness and all it's ill effects from the inside out.
On a positive note, never again will I see only flaws in the mirror. I will be much less critical of my world in general. I hopefully will never complain about "having to work out" being thankful to simply be "able to work out". Going to work will be a privilege! I will laugh harder, love deeper, expand my viewpoints, open my mind, help when I can... I will smile, sit quietly and just be. I will feel the sun, breath in the air, admire the colors in my world with a renewed sense of appreciation. Life is really good my friends, don't ever forget that!
I've been to the edge. It wasn't pretty. I'm healing. It will take time. I'm alive. So much life ahead of me. The possibilities are limitless... now that's exciting!
Love, Reba
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Why did I procrastinate?
Instead of cleaning and preparing for tomorrow over the last couple days, I chose to postpone until this evening. So now it's after 10 p.m. and I'm waiting on my laundry to finish and I still need to vacuum ;) Must have a clean house to come home to!
I check back into Mercy at 10 a.m. tomorrow. Chemo will probably start around 1 or 2 and on July 4th it will end. I am so thankful this is the last round... SO exciting. I'm depending on all of you for prayers and good thoughts. Let's think extra positive and make this the easiest round yet! Deal?!
Today is Tate Thomas' 2nd birthday! I went with Brenna to have his 2-year old pictures taken and then the 3 of us had a yummy lunch. It was a beautiful day and I could not have spent it in a better way. I was also able to swing by work and say hello to everyone :) That's always a good thing!
So Round 4, here I come! I'll be in touch again post chemo...
Wishing you all a safe and happy 4th!!! Love, Reba
I check back into Mercy at 10 a.m. tomorrow. Chemo will probably start around 1 or 2 and on July 4th it will end. I am so thankful this is the last round... SO exciting. I'm depending on all of you for prayers and good thoughts. Let's think extra positive and make this the easiest round yet! Deal?!
Today is Tate Thomas' 2nd birthday! I went with Brenna to have his 2-year old pictures taken and then the 3 of us had a yummy lunch. It was a beautiful day and I could not have spent it in a better way. I was also able to swing by work and say hello to everyone :) That's always a good thing!
So Round 4, here I come! I'll be in touch again post chemo...
Wishing you all a safe and happy 4th!!! Love, Reba
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Let's wrap this up with a BANG!
I met with Dr. Xavier yesterday morning. I was so honored to be her first patient in the new Cancer Center! Everything was brand spanking new and shiney :) She is such an amazing doctor and an even more amazing person... I just know she is going to do great things in her new space.
Dr. X confirmed my FINAL chemo will be July 1. It will end on July 4!!! How appropriate ;) If I get a room on the side of the hospital I usually do, I should be able to see some fireworks from downtown and from Sea World!!! That will be really fun. Watching the fireworks, I will be sending lot's of love and thanks to all of you for your support through all of this.
The last chemo will be followed by a radiation consult on July 14. It will most likely happen... a mere safeguard and at this point I'd much rather be safe than sorry! It's a one-time treatment with very little effect on me (nothing like chemo) so why not?!
After chemo and radiation, I will start having body scans at 6 week intervals, moving out to 3 month intervals. At the one year mark it will be 6 month intervals. WHEN I make it to the two year mark "clean" I will be deemed "cured". *BIG SIGH* Dr. X summarized my cancer to her new intern yesterday... "if it doesn't kill you in the first couple weeks, you can be cured".
This last round of chemo was a tough one. I'm bouncing back just a bit slower than previously but I'm bouncing back ;) X is going to replicate my 2nd chemo this time round. #2 was the most agreeable with me so I'm feeling very optimistic. Even if it is challenging, the fact that it is the final one makes it bearable!
Lots of shout outs this week... to all my "end of June/beginning of July birthday" buddies, have a happy! You know who you are ;) Most importantly, happy birthday to Tate! I can't believe my little Grandson is already two... time truly does fly. I love you little man.
The best birthday present this year is the fact that I'm here for this birthday! YaY me!!!!
xo Reba
Dr. X confirmed my FINAL chemo will be July 1. It will end on July 4!!! How appropriate ;) If I get a room on the side of the hospital I usually do, I should be able to see some fireworks from downtown and from Sea World!!! That will be really fun. Watching the fireworks, I will be sending lot's of love and thanks to all of you for your support through all of this.
The last chemo will be followed by a radiation consult on July 14. It will most likely happen... a mere safeguard and at this point I'd much rather be safe than sorry! It's a one-time treatment with very little effect on me (nothing like chemo) so why not?!
After chemo and radiation, I will start having body scans at 6 week intervals, moving out to 3 month intervals. At the one year mark it will be 6 month intervals. WHEN I make it to the two year mark "clean" I will be deemed "cured". *BIG SIGH* Dr. X summarized my cancer to her new intern yesterday... "if it doesn't kill you in the first couple weeks, you can be cured".
This last round of chemo was a tough one. I'm bouncing back just a bit slower than previously but I'm bouncing back ;) X is going to replicate my 2nd chemo this time round. #2 was the most agreeable with me so I'm feeling very optimistic. Even if it is challenging, the fact that it is the final one makes it bearable!
Lots of shout outs this week... to all my "end of June/beginning of July birthday" buddies, have a happy! You know who you are ;) Most importantly, happy birthday to Tate! I can't believe my little Grandson is already two... time truly does fly. I love you little man.
The best birthday present this year is the fact that I'm here for this birthday! YaY me!!!!
xo Reba
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Home again!
Ok so Round 3 wasn't quite as smooth as the previous one but I'm happy to say I'm home, for the second time, and am feeling immensely better :)
It started off okay. I went in with high spirits and all was progressing nicely. One day while walking laps I got on the scale in the hallway... you see I'm obsessed with scales now because I'm so thin and it's such a treat to see those low numbers ;) Hey you gotta find the perks where you can in this journey! So I pop on the scale and up comes a big red blinking 141. What?! Wait a minute... that's my old weight! Scale must be off. So I shuffle off to the other side of the floor and climb on that scale. Same number! Yikes, better let my nurse know about this. Turns out I had indeed gained about 23 pounds in fluids. Dr. X wanted to be sure my kidneys stayed good and flushed so she really had the fluids pumping. A lasix pill and lots of trips to ladies room put me back at my current weight of about 118 :) A couple people have told me I looked a bit like a cherry tomato in the face with all that fluid. Ha ha ha!
Friday night. I'm feeling pretty good and am anxious to get home and settle in and eat my own food. Hospital food is just yucky for some reason... I was eating just fine but really wanted to be home. I usually stay until Saturday morning but X agreed I could go. Off I went and being home felt great. I slept so good Friday night and woke up feeling pretty decent Saturday. Didn't think to take my anti-nausea medicine and the next thing I knew I was s-i-c-k. Hit me like a ton of bricks. Every time I barely moved I was violently ill. I should have called X right away but for some reason I thought it would pass. It didn't. When Louisa came by in the afternoon, she took one look at me, called X right away and off to the hospital we went.
Thank goodness the lovely nurse, Annette, was still in the Out-patient Infusion Room at the hospital so I didn't have to endure the whole ER admit nightmare. Annette started IVs of fluids and anti-nauseas. I had to be readmitted and spent 2 more nights in. I'm pretty sure these were the toughest days yet for me. Turns out my blood sugar had really dropped as well so I had zero energy. Just standing up was difficult. But as amazing as our bodies are, I have bounced back once again, with the help of some sugar water and sterioids. I came home yesterday and feel remarkably good again. I'm taking my anti-nauseas ;)
Right now the plan is to have my fianl round the beginning of July. X says she's thinking of ending with a big bang...?! kind of scary but she knows best! She has apologized profusely for this round making me so ill and has a gameplan in mind for next time to avoid this from happening again. I told her we both were over confident with Round 2 having gone so well. She also mentioned I will be seeing a Oncology Radiologist for an evaluation after my final round. The source tumor was a very slow growing tumor vs. the crazy fast growing offshoot one. Chemotherapy works best on fast growing tumors. They Tumor Board regulary reviews my case and they feel it may be advantageous to to some follow-up radiation. Nothing set in stone yet, just an evaluation when all is said and done. X promised the radiation, while it can have it's own side effects, does not generally produce nasuea ;) Fair enough!
Well peeps, this is a long blog and I'm getting a little pooped. I can not believe it's already the middle of June. Wow. Big shout out to Tate Thomas Oakely who will be turning 2 in 2 weeks (June 30)! Happy Birthday my sweet Grandson. Love you so much!!!
Love you all as well!!! xoxo Reba
It started off okay. I went in with high spirits and all was progressing nicely. One day while walking laps I got on the scale in the hallway... you see I'm obsessed with scales now because I'm so thin and it's such a treat to see those low numbers ;) Hey you gotta find the perks where you can in this journey! So I pop on the scale and up comes a big red blinking 141. What?! Wait a minute... that's my old weight! Scale must be off. So I shuffle off to the other side of the floor and climb on that scale. Same number! Yikes, better let my nurse know about this. Turns out I had indeed gained about 23 pounds in fluids. Dr. X wanted to be sure my kidneys stayed good and flushed so she really had the fluids pumping. A lasix pill and lots of trips to ladies room put me back at my current weight of about 118 :) A couple people have told me I looked a bit like a cherry tomato in the face with all that fluid. Ha ha ha!
Friday night. I'm feeling pretty good and am anxious to get home and settle in and eat my own food. Hospital food is just yucky for some reason... I was eating just fine but really wanted to be home. I usually stay until Saturday morning but X agreed I could go. Off I went and being home felt great. I slept so good Friday night and woke up feeling pretty decent Saturday. Didn't think to take my anti-nausea medicine and the next thing I knew I was s-i-c-k. Hit me like a ton of bricks. Every time I barely moved I was violently ill. I should have called X right away but for some reason I thought it would pass. It didn't. When Louisa came by in the afternoon, she took one look at me, called X right away and off to the hospital we went.
Thank goodness the lovely nurse, Annette, was still in the Out-patient Infusion Room at the hospital so I didn't have to endure the whole ER admit nightmare. Annette started IVs of fluids and anti-nauseas. I had to be readmitted and spent 2 more nights in. I'm pretty sure these were the toughest days yet for me. Turns out my blood sugar had really dropped as well so I had zero energy. Just standing up was difficult. But as amazing as our bodies are, I have bounced back once again, with the help of some sugar water and sterioids. I came home yesterday and feel remarkably good again. I'm taking my anti-nauseas ;)
Right now the plan is to have my fianl round the beginning of July. X says she's thinking of ending with a big bang...?! kind of scary but she knows best! She has apologized profusely for this round making me so ill and has a gameplan in mind for next time to avoid this from happening again. I told her we both were over confident with Round 2 having gone so well. She also mentioned I will be seeing a Oncology Radiologist for an evaluation after my final round. The source tumor was a very slow growing tumor vs. the crazy fast growing offshoot one. Chemotherapy works best on fast growing tumors. They Tumor Board regulary reviews my case and they feel it may be advantageous to to some follow-up radiation. Nothing set in stone yet, just an evaluation when all is said and done. X promised the radiation, while it can have it's own side effects, does not generally produce nasuea ;) Fair enough!
Well peeps, this is a long blog and I'm getting a little pooped. I can not believe it's already the middle of June. Wow. Big shout out to Tate Thomas Oakely who will be turning 2 in 2 weeks (June 30)! Happy Birthday my sweet Grandson. Love you so much!!!
Love you all as well!!! xoxo Reba
Monday, June 7, 2010
What a great week!
This has been a fabulous last several days! I'm feeling really good and am all ready to check back into Chateau Mercy tomorrow a.m. for Round 3 of 4. :)
After my little side visit to the hospital on Thursday for the blood transfusion, I'm happy to say I had a really nice weekend. Friday I had lunch with my sweet friend, Marianne. I also visited work and got to catch up with everyone. At work I also spent some time chatting with a dear new friend, Mary, who is also a cancer survivor. She reached out to me early in my diagnosis with support so I wanted to say hello in person and thank her! Saturday I met Brenna and Tate Thomas at the mall. We did a little shopping and had lunch together. Yesterday we had a picnic and spent the afternoon at Lake Poway. It was a really special family day :)
Today I've been very busy running errands, stocking up on groceries, getting a pedicure and cleaning, laundry, etc. Basically getting everything ready around the house for when I get home from this round, probably Saturday morning. I'm getting better and better at this ;)
Today's shout out is for my dear friend, Madelyn. She suffered a stroke on Thursday and is in the hospital. I visited her today and she looks good. I managed to make her laugh so that's a good sign :) She's young, healthy and strong and I know she will make a speedy recovery. Please include her in your prayers, meditations and good thoughts! Thank you.
Much love to all. I'll write again soon. xo Reba
After my little side visit to the hospital on Thursday for the blood transfusion, I'm happy to say I had a really nice weekend. Friday I had lunch with my sweet friend, Marianne. I also visited work and got to catch up with everyone. At work I also spent some time chatting with a dear new friend, Mary, who is also a cancer survivor. She reached out to me early in my diagnosis with support so I wanted to say hello in person and thank her! Saturday I met Brenna and Tate Thomas at the mall. We did a little shopping and had lunch together. Yesterday we had a picnic and spent the afternoon at Lake Poway. It was a really special family day :)
Today I've been very busy running errands, stocking up on groceries, getting a pedicure and cleaning, laundry, etc. Basically getting everything ready around the house for when I get home from this round, probably Saturday morning. I'm getting better and better at this ;)
Today's shout out is for my dear friend, Madelyn. She suffered a stroke on Thursday and is in the hospital. I visited her today and she looks good. I managed to make her laugh so that's a good sign :) She's young, healthy and strong and I know she will make a speedy recovery. Please include her in your prayers, meditations and good thoughts! Thank you.
Much love to all. I'll write again soon. xo Reba
Friday, June 4, 2010
Round 3... Bring it!!!
Hello Everybody!
Last time I blogged with an update I was 48 hours home from the hospital. I'm now 13 days home and finally feeling really good :) Of course we know what that means, back to the hospital I go! Tuesday I'll be checking in for Round 3 of in-patient chemo.
I actually had a short, 5-hour hospital stay yesterday... I had a check up appt with Dr. X yesterday morning. It was routine and I was off to run errands and enjoy my day. Well, a couple hours later my phone rings and it's Dr. X saying I needed to go the the hospital right away! What?! My bloodwork came back and showed I was critically anemic. I spent the evening being transfused with 2 pints of blood, plus a shot in the arm to stimulate red blood cell growth. I felt okay yesterday but today my color is awesome. I'm now nice and rosey cheeked with pretty pink lips. I didn't realize how pale I was yesterday!
The time spent in the out-patient infusion center last night was enriching. I learned alot listening to and observing the nurses and the other chemo patients. We all shared stories of our side effects, complications and insights... the nurses shared stories about how funny we can be as patients ;) This fight can be a complicated and trying one that's for sure, but interacting with them all was a really positive experience. It was interesting to be in a room with people who truly understand and have experienced firsthand the same things I am experiencing.
Recovery from this latest round was different from the first one. The first round was very hard hitting and intense with more side effects. This round wasn't as extreme and the recovery reflected that. While the chemo definitely takes it's toll on a body, I found out yesterday, it's the Nuplasta shot they give me the day after chemo ends that gives me the bone aching and the flu'ish symptoms. The shot stimulates white blood cell production. This time around the nurse suggested I take some Claritin and some Tylenol and those should help with the discomfort. Happily there was no throwing up this treatment or recovery! I was pleasantly surprised by this. I'm crossing my fingers that's the case again.
The current plan is that this third chemo round will be followed by a fourth, and hopefully final, round starting 6/29. Cross your fingers for me! I'll be back in touch post hosptial (I should be home next Saturday). Send lots of healing thoughts my way, and as always, thank you!!!
Much love, Reba
Last time I blogged with an update I was 48 hours home from the hospital. I'm now 13 days home and finally feeling really good :) Of course we know what that means, back to the hospital I go! Tuesday I'll be checking in for Round 3 of in-patient chemo.
I actually had a short, 5-hour hospital stay yesterday... I had a check up appt with Dr. X yesterday morning. It was routine and I was off to run errands and enjoy my day. Well, a couple hours later my phone rings and it's Dr. X saying I needed to go the the hospital right away! What?! My bloodwork came back and showed I was critically anemic. I spent the evening being transfused with 2 pints of blood, plus a shot in the arm to stimulate red blood cell growth. I felt okay yesterday but today my color is awesome. I'm now nice and rosey cheeked with pretty pink lips. I didn't realize how pale I was yesterday!
The time spent in the out-patient infusion center last night was enriching. I learned alot listening to and observing the nurses and the other chemo patients. We all shared stories of our side effects, complications and insights... the nurses shared stories about how funny we can be as patients ;) This fight can be a complicated and trying one that's for sure, but interacting with them all was a really positive experience. It was interesting to be in a room with people who truly understand and have experienced firsthand the same things I am experiencing.
Recovery from this latest round was different from the first one. The first round was very hard hitting and intense with more side effects. This round wasn't as extreme and the recovery reflected that. While the chemo definitely takes it's toll on a body, I found out yesterday, it's the Nuplasta shot they give me the day after chemo ends that gives me the bone aching and the flu'ish symptoms. The shot stimulates white blood cell production. This time around the nurse suggested I take some Claritin and some Tylenol and those should help with the discomfort. Happily there was no throwing up this treatment or recovery! I was pleasantly surprised by this. I'm crossing my fingers that's the case again.
The current plan is that this third chemo round will be followed by a fourth, and hopefully final, round starting 6/29. Cross your fingers for me! I'll be back in touch post hosptial (I should be home next Saturday). Send lots of healing thoughts my way, and as always, thank you!!!
Much love, Reba
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Comments!
I read all the comments, usually several times ;) I love them and appreciate them and they always make me smile. Keep them coming!!!
Love y'all!!!! Reba/Becky/Chemo brain
*Hey, today's the 26th! 1 month until my 47th birthday. I'm so happy I'll be seeing it!!! Life is good.
Love y'all!!!! Reba/Becky/Chemo brain
*Hey, today's the 26th! 1 month until my 47th birthday. I'm so happy I'll be seeing it!!! Life is good.
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